Westport

Travel Guide
Westport showing views
This small but friendly lakeside town is a popular destination for keen anglers, hikers and swimmers. 

This sleepy township of Westport on the western bank of Upper Rideau Lake attracts visitors looking for a quiet escape from nearby Ottawa and farther afield. Westport is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon with your fishing rod in hand, to explore the surrounding woods or to shop at the specialty stores that line the town’s main street. Swim from the sandy shore of the lake in summer or enjoy a home-cooked meal in a cozy restaurant in winter. With nearly two centuries of history, Westport offers plenty to discover. 

The earliest European settlers arrived in the area in the first two decades of the 19th century, when the settlement was known as Head of the Lake. Its strategic position helped the town grow and it was officially incorporated in 1904. Westport operated as a trade center, with goods being delivered by rail and on barges on the Rideau Canal.  While the train no longer runs to Westport, it was this line that brought the first tourism to the region.

Today the area’s natural beauty and sparse population attract people looking for a refuge from the nearby cities. Spend a day exploring the small town center to discover a selection of specialty stores selling local produce, hand-made items and souvenirs. Find a seat at a restaurant for some small-town hospitality. Sample fish caught from the lakes and canal.

Rent a boat or sign up for a fishing charter from the Westport wharf. The small wharf is a great place to meet locals returning from a day on the lake. Venture into the surrounding region to hike along the Rideau Trail. The 186-mile (300-kilometer) path goes through the Foley Mountain Conservation Area and offers stunning views across Westport.

Westport is located between Ottawa and Toronto and can be reached by bus from either city or by car via Canada’s network of highways. Find accommodation in the town center.

The Stray Cat Inn, features 3 guest rooms in Westport
The Stray Cat Inn, features 3 guest rooms in Westport
Westport
The price is CA $125 per night from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2
CA $125
CA $193 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this vacation home in Westport. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a TV. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Westport ...
10/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
"Charming property. Our family loved having the place to ourselves with a bedroom for each of the kids. Gracious hosts left out a few snacks in case we were hungry when we arrived. A delightful stay!"

Reviewed on Mar. 15, 2024

The Stray Cat Inn, features 3 guest rooms in Westport
The Cove Inn
The Cove Inn
3.5 out of 5
2 Bedford Street, Corner of Bedford and Main Streets, Westport, ON
The price is CA $229 per night from Mar. 30 to Mar. 31
CA $229
CA $259 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 30 - Mar 31
Stay at this 3.5-star beach inn in Westport. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (139 reviews)
"food was great"

Reviewed on Feb. 18, 2024

The Cove Inn
Upper Rideau Bed & Breakfast
Upper Rideau Bed & Breakfast
3 out of 5
18 Main St, Westport, ON
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Westport. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Westport Brewing Company and Westport Municipal Harbour ...
10/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"It’s a wonderful bed and breakfast with great attention to detail. The breakfasts were amazing and the hosts are lovely. A great place to stay!"

Reviewed on Dec. 17, 2023

Upper Rideau Bed & Breakfast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Stray Cat Inn, features 3 guest rooms in Westport
The Stray Cat Inn, features 3 guest rooms in Westport
Westport
Stay at this vacation home in Westport. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and a TV. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Westport ...
10/10 Exceptional! (54 reviews)
"Charming property. Our family loved having the place to ourselves with a bedroom for each of the kids. Gracious hosts left out a few snacks in case we were hungry when we arrived. A delightful stay!"

Reviewed on Mar. 15, 2024

The Stray Cat Inn, features 3 guest rooms in Westport
Cobby House  2 bedroom + Loft
Cobby House 2 bedroom + Loft
Tichborne, ON
Stay at this cottage in South Frontenac. Enjoy free WiFi, barbecue grills, and a patio. Popular attractions Burridge Lake and Bobs Lake are located nearby. Discover ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
Beautiful spot
"We enjoyed our stay. The scenery was beatiful and everything was as expected. Thank you so much for a relaxing weekend spot."

Reviewed on Nov. 20, 2023

Cobby House 2 bedroom + Loft
Your Home Away From Home
Your Home Away From Home
Perth
Stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Drummond-North Elmsley. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and an arcade/game room. Popular attractions Lombard Glen ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
Peaceful retreat
"Cozy log home on beautiful property. Hosts are great people and quickly respond to any needs. Highly recommend this getaway!"

Reviewed on Feb. 25, 2024

Your Home Away From Home
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Westport

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
6
" "5 - Excellent 66.66666666666667%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 33.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Merida
Mar. 31, 2019

Westport is a beautiful little community. It was the beginning of Spring but I imagine it is very picturesque in the summer with everything in bloom

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jan. 7, 2019

great shops, all my christmas shopping next year will be from the village green

Cities near Westport